Why is this procedure done?
Dental sealants are used to help protect you from cavities. They are a thin plastic material that is often applied to the chewing surface of your back teeth. These are the ones that are most likely to develop cavities. ‚
Your back teeth are your molars. These teeth have a lot of grooves and depressions which make a very uneven chewing surface. Your toothbrush has problems removing plaque and food from these spaces. When plaque or food remains on your tooth for a period of time, the outer coating or enamel starts to break down and you may develop a cavity. ‚
What will the results be?
A sealant can help even out this surface and protect your tooths enamel. Your chance of getting a cavity in a tooth that has a sealant is much lower. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
Your dentist will take your history and do an exam. Other tests, like an x-ray of your mouth, may be ordered. The dentist will clean your teeth and make sure there are no signs of decay in the tooth that is to be sealed. ‚
What happens during the procedure?
Your dentist will first place gauze and cotton rolls around your tooth. This keeps your saliva away from your tooth during the procedure. Next, your dentist will use a solution to make the surface of the tooth a little rough. This helps the sealant stick better. Your tooth is rinsed and dried. Then the liquid sealant is applied to the tooth. It gets hard in just a few seconds. Sometimes a special light is used to make the sealant hard. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
Your dentist may go on to seal other teeth. It only takes a few minutes to seal each tooth. After your sealants are all applied, you will be able to go home. Your bite may feel a little unusual for a few days as you adjust to your new sealants. There should be no pain. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your dentist if you need to take extra care when eating.
- Brush and floss your teeth regularly, even though you have sealants.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your dentist may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- See your dentist at least every 6 months.
What problems could happen?
- Sealant could come off and tooth needs to be resealed
- Tooth decay occurs on the tooth that was sealed
Where can I learn more?
Academy of General Dentistry ‚
http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=S&iid=327&aid=1312 ‚
American Dental Association ‚
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/sealants ‚
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research ‚
http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/ToothDecay/SealOutToothDecay.htm ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚